Scenic Family Road Trip Through Western Europe: 12-Day Multi-Country Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 9, 2025

9:00am

Arrival and Car Rental Pickup

Pick up your pre-booked rental car in Amsterdam; a compact SUV or minivan is recommended for family comfort and luggage space. Renting a car for inter-country European travel is excellent for flexibility and sightseeing, but note parking may be limited in city centers.
EUR70/day, 1h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Enjoy traditional Dutch pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam — a family-friendly spot open from 8am to 5pm, perfect to fuel up before exploring.
EUR15 per person, 1h

12:30pm

Explore Canal Belt and Anne Frank House

Visit Amsterdam’s iconic Canal Belt by foot or bike, then tour the Anne Frank House (open 9am to 7pm) to experience significant history with your family.
EUR12 adults, EUR6 children, 3h

4:00pm

Check-in Airbnb

Settle into a centrally located family-friendly Airbnb to rest and prepare for the journey ahead.
Approx. EUR150/night, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at De Silveren Spiegel

Dine at this cozy Dutch restaurant serving classic dishes—open until 10pm, ideal for a relaxed family dinner.
EUR30 per person, 2h
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Day 2: Amsterdam to Brussels

Amsterdam to Brussels, Belgium on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Omelegg

Start the day at Omelegg for hearty egg-based dishes before heading out for the drive.
EUR12 per person, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Brussels

Drive approximately 2 hours (210 km) to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the EU, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Fuel approx. EUR40, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chez Leon

Savor classic Belgian specialties like moules-frites at this popular restaurant near the Grand Place, open from 12pm.
EUR25 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Grand Place and Manneken Pis

Explore Brussels’ stunning Grand Place and the quirky Manneken Pis statue—free and open all day.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in Airbnb in Brussels

Find a family-friendly apartment close to the city center for easy sightseeing.
Approx. EUR140/night, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Noordzee Mer du Nord

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes at this casual, standing-only eatery well-loved by locals, open until 8pm.
EUR20 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Brussels to Luxembourg

Brussels to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maison Dandoy

Try delicious Belgian waffles and pastries at Maison Dandoy, opening at 8am.
EUR10 per person, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Luxembourg City

Drive approximately 2.5 hours (220 km) to Luxembourg City, a charming and compact destination perfect for families.
Fuel approx. EUR40, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Brasserie Guillaume

Enjoy upscale seafood and traditional Luxembourgish dishes in a stylish setting, open from 11:30am.
EUR30 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Luxembourg Old Town

Walk the fortifications and visit the Grand Ducal Palace, open for tours in summer months, plus scenic views from Chemin de la Corniche.
Free to walk outside; Palace tours approx. EUR10, 3h

5:00pm

Check-in Airbnb

Choose a quiet family-friendly place with easy access to the city center.
Approx. EUR130/night, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Oberweis

Try Luxembourgish specialties and pastries at Oberweis, open until 9pm.
EUR25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 4: Luxembourg to Strasbourg

Luxembourg City to Strasbourg, France on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Boulangerie Wendlant

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at this popular bakery before heading out.
EUR8 per person, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Strasbourg

Drive about 2.5 hours (220 km) to Strasbourg, a beautiful French city with German influences along the Rhine River.
Fuel approx. EUR45, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Maison des Tanneurs

Sample Alsace cuisine in this half-timbered historic building, open from 12pm.
EUR25 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Strasbourg Cathedral and La Petite France

Admire the Gothic cathedral and stroll around La Petite France district with its canals and quaint streets.
Free to walk; Cathedral tower climb EUR5, 3h

5:00pm

Check-in Airbnb

Settle into your charming family accommodation within walking distance of main sights.
Approx. EUR140/night, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Winstub Le Clou

Taste local Alsace wines and dishes in a cozy atmosphere, open until 10pm.
EUR30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 5: Strasbourg to Basel and Lucerne

Strasbourg, France to Basel and Lucerne, Switzerland on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Pâtisserie Christian

Grab quick breakfast pastries and coffee before departing early for a full day.
EUR10 per person, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Basel

A short 1-hour drive (140 km) from Strasbourg to Basel, a Swiss city known for art and museums.
Fuel approx. EUR30, 1h

9:00am

Visit Basel Zoo or Fondation Beyeler

Enjoy family time at Basel Zoo (open 8:30am-6pm), or explore modern art at Fondation Beyeler (open 10am-6pm). Zoo is more kid-friendly.
Zoo EUR25 adults, EUR15 children; Fondation Beyeler EUR25 adults, 2h

11:30am

Drive to Lucerne

Take a 1-hour drive (100 km) to Lucerne, famous for its lake and mountain views.
Fuel approx. EUR30, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes at this family-friendly restaurant, open from 11:30am.
EUR25 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Walk the Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne Promenade

Explore the iconic wooden bridge and beautiful lakefront, ideal for easy family strolls.
Free, 3h

4:30pm

Check-in Airbnb in Lucerne

Choose an apartment close to the lakefront with space for the whole family.
Approx. EUR160/night, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Elegant Swiss and international dishes with lake views, open till 10pm.
EUR35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lucerne to Milan

Lucerne, Switzerland to Milan, Italy on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Heini

Taste great Swiss pastries and coffee before driving south.
EUR10 per person, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Milan

Drive approximately 3.5 hours (230 km) crossing into Italy to Milan, a fashion and cultural capital.
Fuel approx. EUR45, tolls approx. EUR25, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Grab famous filled panzerotti near the Duomo for a casual, kid-friendly lunch.
EUR10 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Milan Cathedral and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Explore the stunning cathedral and iconic shopping arcade open until 7pm.
Cathedral rooftop EUR15 adults, EUR3 children; arcade free, 3h

5:30pm

Check-in Airbnb in Milan

Stay in a central family-friendly apartment close to major sights.
Approx. EUR180/night, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Madonnina

Enjoy hearty Milanese and Italian cuisine in a rustic setting, open until 10pm.
EUR30 per person, 2h
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Day 7: Milan to Nice

Milan, Italy to Nice, France on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at California Bakery

Start your day with American-style breakfast in Milan.
EUR15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Nice

A scenic 4-hour drive (320 km) west along the coast via the A10 motorway and crossing into France to the French Riviera.
Fuel approx. EUR60, tolls approx. EUR35, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Fenocchio Glacier

Famous for a great variety of ice creams in Nice Old Town; a fun treat for all ages.
EUR8 per person, 30m

1:00pm

Explore Promenade des Anglais and Old Town

Walk the iconic seaside promenade and colorful old town streets open all day.
Free, 3h

4:30pm

Check-in Airbnb

Book a seaside or central apartment suitable for family stays.
Approx. EUR170/night, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Rossettisserie

Relax with excellent roasted meats and local dishes, open till 10pm.
EUR35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 8: Nice to Lyon

Nice, France to Lyon, France on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Emilie's Cookies

Enjoy freshly baked cookies and coffee before heading out.
EUR10 per person, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Lyon

Approximately 4.5-hour drive (470 km) northwest to Lyon, famous for its gastronomy and historic heritage.
Fuel approx. EUR70, tolls approx. EUR40, 4h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Visit this indoor market for a variety of local delicacies to sample, open until 2pm.
EUR20 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Vieux Lyon and Fourvière

Walk the Renaissance old town and take the funicular to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, open until 6pm.
Free to visit basilica; funicular EUR2.50 per person, 3h

6:00pm

Check-in Airbnb

Stay within walking distance of the old town for family convenience.
Approx. EUR160/night, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Le Bouchon des Filles

Experience traditional Lyonnais bouchon cuisine in a family-friendly setting.
EUR30 per person, 2h
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Day 9: Lyon to Geneva

Lyon, France to Geneva, Switzerland on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Mokxa

Start with excellent coffee and pastries before your final leg.
EUR10 per person, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Geneva

Short 1.5-hour drive (150 km) to Geneva, known for its lakeside views and international vibe.
Fuel approx. EUR30, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Lake Geneva and Jet d'Eau

Visit the iconic water fountain and stroll lakeside parks open all day.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Papon

Located near the lake, this historic café offers traditional Swiss cuisine.
EUR30 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the United Nations Palace

Tour the UN headquarters Tuesday-Saturday, 10am to 4pm; book in advance.
CHF15 per person, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in Airbnb

Relax in a spacious family apartment in central Geneva.
Approx. EUR180/night, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Les Armures

Try classic Swiss fondue and raclette at this famous quaint spot, open until 10pm.
EUR35 per person, 2h
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Day 10: Departure or Additional Day

Geneva, Switzerland on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Birdie Food & Coffee

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with fresh organic options before departure.
EUR12 per person, 1h

9:30am

Optional: Day Trip to Mont Salève

Take a short nearby cable car ride for spectacular views over Geneva and the Alps; open 9am-5pm.
CHF15 adults, children under 6 free, 4h

2:00pm

Return Rental Car and Prepare Departure

Return your vehicle at Geneva Airport, then head to your flight home or continue your travels.
Included in rental, 1h
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